News Summary
Central Texas suffered severe flash floods over the July Fourth weekend, resulting in more than 100 fatalities and 160 people reported missing. The flooding primarily affected the Guadalupe River area, causing significant devastation, particularly in Kerr County. The community is uniting to support relief efforts, with various organizations mobilizing for search, rescue, and recovery. Major retailers are also contributing financially to assist those affected by this disaster.
Devastating Flash Floods Hit Central Texas
Over the July Fourth weekend, Central Texas experienced an unexpected tragedy, as severe flash floods claimed the lives of more than 100 individuals. With the number of reported missing climbing to over 160 people as of July 8, 2025, the situation is profoundly alarming, impacting communities and families across the region.
Nature’s Fury: A Sudden Downpour
The flooding was largely caused by relentless rainfall that poured down in the Texas Hill Country, particularly affecting the Guadalupe River. In a staggering 12-hour period, over a foot of rain fell, starting Thursday night and continuing into Friday morning. The effects were felt most acutely in Kerr County, which has seen the greatest number of fatalities and destruction.
Heartbreaking Impact on Campers
A particularly tragic aspect of this disaster involves at least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a cherished Christian summer camp for girls located right along the banks of the Guadalupe River. The loss felt by their families and the community serves as a stark reminder of the flood’s devastation.
Record Rising Waters
As this storm unfolded, several areas, including Kerrville and the town of Hunt, experienced a dramatic rise in water levels—seeing an astonishing increase of 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The Ingram Dam, situated just west of Kerrville, also felt the brunt of the floodwater, which added to the worry of local residents.
Continued Warnings and Assistance Efforts
The torrential rains didn’t let up after Friday, with authorities issuing ongoing flash flood warnings that extended to communities just outside of San Antonio. As residents grapple with the aftermath, emergency vehicles have been deployed, supported by satellite imagery that highlights extensive destruction across affected areas.
How to Help
In the face of such calamity, the community is uniting to support those in need. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund has been set up to channel donations to reputable organizations engaged in rescue and recovery. One of the grassroots efforts includes Southern Oaks Church in Kerrville, which is collecting donations both in-person and online.
Several local nonprofits, including TEXSAR and the American Red Cross, are on the frontlines of search and rescue, tirelessly working to connect families with their missing loved ones. They are also accepting financial aid to bolster their operations.
Corporate Support and Community Efforts
Major retailers have stepped forward to assist with relief measures. Walmart and Sam’s Club are pledging up to $500,000 in grants to support these efforts and match donations made by customers. Meanwhile, Airbnb.org is providing free emergency housing to those displaced by the devastating floods.
Practical Donations and Requests
Local officials emphasize that financial donations are far more beneficial than food and water supplies at this time, as they streamline the support process for those most affected. Additionally, they are advising individuals not from the area to refrain from visiting, explaining that such actions may unintentionally hinder first responders.
Search and Rescue Operations
As search operations continue, there’s a call for experienced individuals to assist with the recovery of both survivors and the lost. Coordination details are shared through social media, helping to connect volunteers with reliable channels of support.
Ongoing Support from Various Organizations
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is actively managing relief funding, ensuring that all donations are tax-deductible. Numerous organizations like the Salvation Army and World Central Kitchen are also working diligently to provide meals and necessary supplies to the affected communities.
Lessons from the Flood
This tragic event has highlighted the importance of adhering to flood alerts, as many of those missing are believed to have been linked to summer camps in the Texas Hill Country. As search efforts continue, the hope remains that miracles can still happen in the aftermath of this heartbreaking disaster.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WFAA: 160 People Missing After Central Texas Flooding
- CBS News: History Warned of the Central Texas Guadalupe River Flood
- Fox 7 Austin: Live Updates on Texas Flooding
- CBS News: Where to Donate for Central Texas Flood Recovery
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
